Matt's Place has great food, shows way to employ those with disabilities

Sous chef Chelsea Byerman and Matt Hafner take a short break on a busy day at Mattís Place which draws customers from MORC offices in Clinton and Auburn Hills. Microbusinesses such as Mattís Place are the latest innovation to help people with disabilities find jobs

On a recent visit to Matt’s Place, Johnny Cash’s deep voice was playing on a country station, greeting those stopping in for coffee or a morning snack with the lyrics of “….because you’re mine, I walk the line” from his Walk the Line album.

On the walls there were prints by artists, including Frenchman Edgar Degas and a café scene, “La Victoria Arduino per Caffee Espresso” by Leonetto Cappiello.

Sous chef Chelsea Byerman, 27, of Almont and Matt Hafner, 35, were on duty at Matt’s Place to take orders and deliver well-regarded food to Macomb-Oakland Regional Center workers in Clinton Township and those from the Auburn Hills office in Oakland County who stop in at the Clinton eatery for a meal.

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The restaurant reopened Oct. 29 after being closed from early July. Chelsea also is a job coach to Matt, who has Down syndrome.

“The aroma of Chelsea’s cooking lingering through the hallways only adds to the homey atmosphere we already share here at MORC,” said Heather Smith, accounting secretary. “Matt’s welcoming smile and the offering of free baked cookies and candy keeps the warmth of goodwill going and the customers coming back.”

Drexel Lane of the Housekeeping Department was one of the first to order on a winter’s day. “I’ll have some blueberry pancakes,” he said. “This saves me a lot of money compared to going to a restaurant,” he added as he paid Matt the money and Matt gave him change.

“I like her a lot,” said Hafner of Byerman whose culinary talents have drawn positive comments from everyone.

Professionals are turning to using microbusinesses to create jobs for those with disabilities since the jobless rate among those with disabilities is close to 60 percent.

“I think this reopening of Matt’s Place is amazing because it’s Matt’s business,” said Carla Dean, director of Vocational Services at MORC. “Micro-businesses for people with disabilities are a great way for them to earn an income, be independent, acquire real-world skills, and build self-esteem.”

Renee Stroze, a reimbursement specialist, visits every day. “Prices are very fair and the food is delicious.”

Hafner helps make bagels, blueberry muffins and he asks customers what type of drink or food they want. He remembers everyone’s favorites. He also sweeps up behind the counter and wipes down all the seats as part of his duties of operating a micro-business.

“With the money I earn, I buy new clothes or CDs,” he says.. “I want to keep working until I am in my 70s.”

Christina Jankowsky of the Waiver Support program pays Hafner for two yogurts and receives $15.78 in change from a $20 bill. Helen Hoberg, supervisor of Supports Coordination, says “I love that this restaurant has reopened because I missed it so much.”

“I think it’s wonderful for Matt to have a place to work,” said Rodney Thomas, a senior staff member of the Information Systems team at MORC. “Chelsea is a great cook.”

Since she recently took over, Byerson has enhanced the menu by adding Michigan Cherry Salad with cherry vinaigrette dressing made from scratch as well as cinnamon-banana pancakes, a chicken croissant sandwich and a new favorite, a tomato basil grilled cheese sandwich.

And not only is Matt’s Place a social success but it’s doing well financially with revenue nearly doubling since the reopening, Dean said.

“I am super-ecstatic that Matt’s Place is open again,” said Melissa Dominic of Purchasing. “Chelsea serves great home cooking.”

The public is welcome so stop in any day. Besides good food, you’ll see a glimpse of the future where people with disabilities run their own businesses with help from a friend or two.

Jerry Wolffe is the Writer-in-Residence/Advocate-at-Large at the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center. He can be reached at 586-263-8950.